Psychology Division

Psychology Pre-Doctoral and Post-Doctoral Training Programs

Melanie Olivas Longhurst, Ph.D., M.Ed.

Melanie Olivas Longhurst, Ph.D., M.Ed.
Psychology Training Director

Welcome Message
At Texas Tech Health El Paso, our predoctoral and post-doctoral psychology training programs are designed to prepare psychologists with a strong foundation in general clinical psychology. Trainees will gain the skills to provide culturally competent, high-quality care to diverse populations in public-sector medical centers or academic settings.

Our goal is to develop psychologists with a scientific-practitioner approach who enhance the community's health and quality of life through compassionate care and interdisciplinary collaboration. Trainees will also contribute to educating colleagues and peers by presenting on mental health topics.

Psychology Post-Doctoral Fellowship
Psychology Pre-Doctoral Internship
Faculty and Staff

Program Highlights

  • Scientist-Practitioner Model: Trainees integrate scientific literature into clinical practices, including psychotherapy, supervision, teaching, and administrative/research projects.
  • Multicultural Competence: Participation in Diversity, Inclusion & Global Health Committee seminars and grand rounds is encouraged.
  • Collaborative Environment: Work alongside professionals across disciplines in academic and public-sector settings.

Rotations Overview

The following include some of the rotations available to psychology trainees:

  • Brief outpatient services for Texas Tech Health El Paso employees, medical residents, students, and their families.
  • Gain experience in intake and diagnostic assessment with high-functioning clients across the lifespan.
  • Develop expertise in providing psychological interventions through a brief therapy model.

  • Work with children, adolescents, and families in therapeutic modalities, including:
    • Play therapy
    • Individual and group therapy
    • Dyadic work
    • Parent training
    • Interdisciplinary clinical consultation

  • Collaborate with medical teams at University Medical Center, a 270-bed general hospital.
  • Services include diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders such as:
    • Depression
    • Bipolar disorder
    • Schizophrenia
    • PTSD
    • Dementia and delirium
    • Substance use disorders
  • Develop skills in identifying psychiatric emergencies and distinguishing between conditions like delirium and dementia.

Why Choose Texas Tech Health El Paso?

  • Comprehensive Training: Diverse rotations to develop clinical expertise across populations and settings.
  • Cultural Competence: Opportunities to engage in seminars and activities promoting diversity and inclusion.
  • Team-Based Approach: Collaborative care alongside a multidisciplinary team of professionals.